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Readers sound off on proposed deer hunting regulation change

Editor's Note: Here is a sampling of feedback I received last week on the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's proposal to reduce the buck limit to one for the combined muzzleloader and gun seasons in 2013.

“I absolutely support the change to a one buck limit regardless of the manner it is taken. I would personally like to see the limit changed to include bow hunting.

Readers had plenty to say, pro and con, about the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's proposal to reduce the buck limit to one for the combined muzzleloader and gun seasons in 2013. AP PHOTO

“I trust ODWC (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation) biologists to recommend the best limits that will improve all fish and game. I think they are in the best position to recommend what is best to increase the quality and quantity of our game.”

Dr. Michael T. McEwen

Lt. Col., U.S. Army, Ret

Medicine Park

“It is sad that all the emphasis is on trophy hunting, very sad. I have been deer hunting since the early ‘70s and it was 1985 before I ever killed a deer.

“I harvest my share of them now, but I am, like many other older guys, a deer hunter, not a trophy hunter. I am also an old school hunter, no feeders, not food plots, etc.

“The truth of the matter is that the almighty dollar is what is really behind the proposal. Trophy hunting equals more money.

“I mount somewhere around 30 deer heads each year for friends and family and I Know how exciting it is to harvest a trophy buck, but deer hunting is so much more than that. I think it is sad that not many hunters seem to feel that way anymore.

Harold Maddox, Oklahoma City

“Personally, I think this is a vanity issue. I don't give a twit about someone's vanity to hang a big antlered head on a wall.

“The best interest of the management of the deer herd isn't in bigger antlered deer. Hunter self-restraint is what needs to be encouraged. I passed on two little bucks opening day because it was right for me to do.

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by Ed Godfrey

Copy Editor, Outdoors Editor, Rodeo, River Sports Reporter

Ed Godfrey was born in Muskogee and raised in Stigler. He has worked at The Oklahoman for 25 years. During that time, he has worked a myriad of beats for The Oklahoman including both the federal and county courthouse in Oklahoma City for more...